The communities impacted by a raging forest fire near Halifax are currently under a declaration of a local state of emergency. This devastating fire destroyed numerous homes and forced thousands of residents to evacuate..Halifax Mayor Mike Savage and the regional council declared a local state of emergency late Sunday night for the affected communities, effective for seven days unless lifted or extended..During a Monday morning update, Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency told reporters that the fire in the Tantallon and Hammonds Plains area remains “ongoing and still not under control.”.Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum reported that firefighters responded to a “very large and fast-moving fire” at Juneberry Lane in Tantallon's Westwood subdivision..According to Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum, the fire escalated through multiple alarm levels, including an unprecedented fifth alarm, “which is the first use of a fifth alarm that many of us can remember,” said Meldrum..The fire's size is unknown, but its devastating impact is evident. At least 10 structures have been destroyed and while no injuries or missing persons have been reported, around 14,000 people have been evacuated. Firefighters continue to combat the rapidly spreading and intense blaze..“We have a lot of work to do today, this week, for many days,” said Meldrum..“This is difficult, and residents must be prepared to remain out of their homes for several days, at least.”.Meldrum said that the department of Natural Resources is currently investigating the cause of the fire..“Residents are also reminded that the current evacuation orders are mandatory, which means residents must evacuate in accordance with local authorities, such as police, firefighters and ground search and rescue,” Halifax Regional Municipality said in a news release..“Residents are not allowed to return to their homes until they are advised that it is safe to do so by municipal authorities.”.On Monday, Meldrum reported 100 firefighters, 30 fire apparatus, and department of Natural Resources crews and helicopters at the scene. Additionally, two air tankers from Newfoundland were en route. There are no plans to bring in crews from neighbouring provinces..“We’ve been really, really grateful for the help we’re getting from other Nova Scotia fire departments and other first responder agencies,” said Meldrum. .“But this is absolutely a significant challenge for us. We need to make sure that no communities that weren’t already affected by this fire become affected.”.The fire had spread in a northeast direction. However, the wind shifted and as of Monday morning, it is pushing the fire back towards where it started on Sunday..Meldrum stated that the wind direction may change again and with the absence of rain, it might take the entire week to bring the fire under control.
